Killer Faces Victim’s Family In New Jersey Courtroom

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NEWTON, N.J.(CBSNewYork) — A convicted killer could not avoid facing his victim’s family in court on Wednesday.

Guiseppe Tedesco was brought into a Newton courtroom under heavy guard to face the family of a young woman that he murdered.

“This deviant and his dysfunctional family has shown no remorse, concern or sympathy,” the victim’s father, Todd Ruggieri, said.

The 27-year-old Tedesco sat emotionless during his sentencing, CBS 2’s Christine Sloan reported. New Jersey’s State Supreme Court ruled that he could not skip a court appearance where the victim’s family would have a chance to express their pain.

“We miss her so much,” the victim’s mother, Michelle Ruggieri, said. “Our life is so empty without her.”

Alyssa Ruggieri was 22 years old when she was murdered. Prosecutors said that Tedesco shot her six times inside of her home, with three of those bullets striking her in the face, apparently because Ruggieri wasn’t interested in dating Tedesco.

Ruggieri’s brother, Devon, shook as he addressed the court.

“She was my hero. More than anything she was my best friend. That’s exactly what she was,” he said, confronting the man who had previously threatened him and the jury. “Please make sure that the monster that committed such a heinous act against the most important person in my life never does it to someone else.”

Tedesco remained calm and spoke only through his attorney, claiming that he had no desire to hurt Ruggieri.

The judge showed no clemency and sentenced Tedesco to 70 years behind bars. His attorney said that he will file an appeal and ask for a new trial.

“A struggle took place in that house and, unfortunately, it resulted in the gun being discharged,” he said.

Under his current sentence Tedesco will not be eligible for parole until he is 84.